Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
07/01/2024 to 09/30/2024
San Juan National Forest

This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section) :
-  Projects Occurring Nationwide
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, San Juan National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, San Juan National Forest,  Columbine Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, San Juan National Forest,  Mancos/Dolores Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, San Juan National Forest,  Pagosa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 06/21/2024
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/2024  		Expected:01/2025
  		01/2025 Jennifer McRae
202-791-8488
SM.FS.NFSWONGA@usda.gov 
Description: Amend all land management plans for units of the National Forest System to include consistent direction to conserve and steward existing and recruit future old-growth forest conditions and to monitor their condition across planning areas of NFS.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65356
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forests and Grasslands (128 units).
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sarah Shoemaker
907-586-7886
sarahshoemaker@fs.fed.us 
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes revisions to its regulations at 36 CFR 228, Subpart A governing locatable minerals operations on National Forest System lands.A draft EIS & proposed rule should be available for review/comment in late 2020
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57214
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These regulations apply to all NFS lands open to mineral entry under the US mining laws. More Information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/geology/minerals/locatable-minerals/current-revisions.
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San Juan National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Minerals - LPC San Juan DRUM AML Safety Closures Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  Completed  Actual: 06/05/2024  07/2024 James Blair
000-000-0000
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Closure of nine hazardous mine openings on the Dolores and Columbine Ranger Districts.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65978
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District, Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Three closures will occur in the Elk Park area, four on Bolan Pass, one at the headwaters of madden creek, and one in Rush Basin.
Minerals - Metallic Minerals Exploratory Core Sampling Project Amendment
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/26/2024  		Expected:11/2024
  		05/2025 James Blair
970-882-6856
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of proposed revision to Metallic Minerals Exploratory Core Sampling Project (Project ID 61638). The revision would reduce the number of total boreholes from 14 to 6. Three of the 6 borehole locations would not change, 3 would be relocated.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65981
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District, Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata, Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bedrock Creek (La Plata Canyon, Columbine RD) and headwaters of East Mancos River (Dolores RD).
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San Juan National Forest,   Columbine Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Facilities - Cole Ranch House Demolition
CE
 - Facility management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/13/2023  		Expected:05/2024
  		06/2024 Ryan Tolle
970-385-1372
Ryan.Tolle@usda.gov 
Description: Demolition of old residence located on the Cole Ranch Admin site
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65201
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T 34 N 8 W Sec. 8. Cole Ranch Administrative Site between Durango and Bayfield, CO.
Fuels - Durango Hills Fuels Reduction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Fuels management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/21/2023  		Expected:05/2024
Actual: 05/02/2024  		06/2024 Toby Cook
970-884-1427
toby.cook@usda.gov 
Description: Fuels reduction project including thinning and broadcast burning on public and private lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65233
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T36N R9W Sections 25, 35, 36 T35N R9 W Sections 1,2 T36N R8W Sections 19,20,26,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35 T35N R8W Sections 4,5,6 . Along forest boundary north of CR 240, east of the town of Durango, west of Lemon Reservoir.
Integrated - Junction-Falls Integrated Resource Management (J-FIRM) Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Heritage resource management
- Special area management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 05/16/2024  		Expected:07/2024
  		07/2024 Noah Daniels
435-636-3345
noah.daniels@usda.gov 
Description: Improve core values of the RMRI across the project landscape : 1. Communities, 2. Clean Water, and 3. Forests and Wildlife. Proposed actions include vegetation management, Rx burning, water developments for wildlife, and others.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62825
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Junction Creek, Logchutes, and Falls Creek/Hidden Valley.
Minerals - Catamount Spring Creek Gas Wells and Pipeline
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 12/15/2023  		Expected:07/2024
  		08/2024 James Blair
970-882-6856
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of an 8.4 mile pipeline system and the expansion of one existing gas well pad to facilitate re-completion of one existing gas well and horizontal drilling of seven new gas wells from the same pad.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63036
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta, La Plata. LEGAL - T34N R6W. Spring Creek Road in the HD Mountains.
Minerals - IKAV Saul's Creek Directional Natural Gas Wells
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2023  		Expected:05/2024
  		06/2024 James Blair
970-385-1372
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Approve Applications for Permits to Drill from IKAV for directional gas wells from existing well pads. Minimal expansion of existing well pads will be within the previous overall disturbance footprints.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64123
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T 35N, R6W, Sec 27, 34. Sauls Creek area east of Bayfield, CO.
Minerals - Petrox Northern Extension Pipeline and Horizontal Drilling Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 		 Cancelled  N/A  N/A James Blair
970-385-1372
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of a pipeline on FS, state, and private lands; construction of 1 new gas well pad and access road on FS land; and re-completion of 2 existing gas wells located on FS. The wells would be drilled with horizontal drilling techniques.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53825
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - T34&35N R5&6W. Pipeline route runs from Lange Canyon to Fosset Gulch, 8 miles east of Bayfield.
Range - Weminuche Landscape Grazing Analysis
EIS
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. NOI in Federal Register 03/2024  		Expected:03/2026  06/2026 Corey Ertl
307 358-7126
corey.ertl@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Burnt Timber, Canyon Creek, Cave Basin, Endlich Mesa, Fall Creek, Flint Creek, Johnson Creek, Leviathan Creek, Pine River, Rock Creek, Spring Gulch, Tank Creek, Virginia Gulch range allotments identified for planning per 43 USC 1752(i)
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Hinsdale, La Plata, San Juan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Weminuche area.
Range - Wild Oats Landscape Grazing Analysis
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2028  		Expected:03/2030  05/2030 Corey Ertl
307 358-7126
corey.ertl@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Boren Gulch, Deadwood, Deep Creek, and La Plata Mountains range allotments identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i).
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Wild Oats Landscape.
Recreation - Durango Northwest Recreation Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Special area management
- Road management 		 Cancelled  N/A  N/A Jonathan Erickson
970-247-4874
jonathan.erickson@usda.gov 
Description: Improve core value of the RMRI across the project landscape related to recreation. Proposed Actions could include trails, allowable uses, parking, trailhead facilities, winter uses, dispersed camping, and ADA opportunities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63579
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Junction Creek, Logchutes, Falls Creek/Hidden Valley, Colorado Trail, Kennebec Pass, Dry Fork.
Special Uses - Anesi Spring Redevelopment
CE
 - Grazing management
- Watershed management
- Land ownership management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/10/2022  		Expected:05/2024
  		06/2024 Eric Herchmer
970-385-1276
eric.herchmer@usda.gov 
Description: Protection of a private water right located on USFS land. Water collection and distribution infrastructure installation to convey water more efficiently and effectively. Exclosure fence installation to protect water resources from livestock tramplin.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65917
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - 37N 8W, Sec 16, NENW Quarter Quarter. Missionary Ridge.
Special Uses - Clearnetworx Electra Lake Fiber Optic Install
CE
 - Facility management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/14/2023  		Expected:04/2024
  		06/2024 Rebecca Smith
970-264-1520
rebecca.smith@usda.gov 
Description: Response to Clearnetworx LLC application to install fiber optic cable on existing power poles in the Electra Lake area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65441
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Sec 24, 15 T38N R9W. South of Electra Lake, East of Hwy 550.
Special Uses - Gloge Property USFS Access Road
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lewis.sovocool@usda.gov 
Description: Grant a special use permit for construction of dirt driveway across Forest Service lands to access a residential property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60292
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located on the southern slope of Shaefer Mountain. The proposed driveway would be accessed by Bear Creek Road, approximately 3 miles east of County Road 501.
Special Uses - LPEA Mayday Line Upgrade
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/15/2023  		Expected:03/2024
  		03/2024 Erin Christenson
970-385-1221
Erin.Christenson@usda.gov 
Description: Issue permit for upgrade of approximately 4190 feet of existing overhead 7.2 kV electric distribution power line on NFS land in the Mayday area of La Plata Canyo, including line replacement and pole additions and replacements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64657
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Sec. 33, T. 36 N., R. 11 W. La Plata Canyon near Mayday.
Special Uses - Silver Crown Access Project
CE
 - Land ownership management
- Land acquisition
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/09/2023  		Expected:04/2024
  		08/2024 Erin Christenson
970-385-1221
Erin.Christenson@usda.gov 
Description: Forest Service response to application submitted by Bonanza Boy LLC for issuance of road maintenance permit, public road easement, and a road easement for access to private property and snowplow authorization.
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - San Juan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T 41 N R 8 W 27 & 28.
Special Uses - Tri-State Burro Bridge to Silverton Vegetation Management
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/09/2023  		Expected:06/2024
  		09/2024 Erin Christenson
970-385-1221
Erin.Christenson@usda.gov 
Description: Removal of hazardous vegetation to the operation of the powerline. Removal of vegetation would reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire on federal lands and adjacent at-risk communities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65863
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - San Juan. LEGAL - T 41 N, R8 W, Sec 3, 10, 11, 12, 13. Northwest of Silverton, between Burro Bridge substation and NFS/BLM property boundary.
Special Uses - True Creek Motorized Trail Access
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lewis.sovocool@usda.gov 
Description: Authorize motorized trail access, via FLPMA Private Trail Permit, to an isolated private parcel.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60139
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southwest of Lemon Reservoir near the Aspen Trails subdivision.
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San Juan National Forest,   Mancos/Dolores Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Recreation - McPhee Reservoir Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Station Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2024  		Expected:11/2024
  		06/2025 Thomas Rice
970-882-6829
thomas.b.rice@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to construct a new watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) station to replace the current WID station at McPhee Boat Ramp.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66390
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. McPhee Reservoir near McPhee Boat Launch.
Rico Trails - Rico Rio Grande Southern Trail Construction Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/01/2023  		Expected:12/2024
  		05/2025 Thomas Rice
970-882-6829
thomasbrice@fs.fed.us 
Description: Rico Trails Alliance and the Town of Rico propose to construct a trail connecting the Town of Rico to the existing Rio Grande Southern Trail. The trail would traverse National Forest System Lands and private property. Easements have been secured.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64538
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The trail begins at the southern end of the Town of Rico and extends approximately 2 miles to the south.
Roads - Cottonwood Road Reconstruction Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 06/25/2024  06/2025 Cody Jones
970-385-1294
cody.j.jones@usda.gov 
Description: The project would involve road management activities on approximately 7.57 miles of Cottonwood Road (Forest Service Road 532), including road reconstruction and resurfacing, cattleguard replacement, replacement of a bridge, and widening.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64796
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Cottonwood Road (Forest Service Road 532) between Dolores-Norwood Road (Forest Service Road 526) and County Road 38, near Mavreeso Canyon.
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San Juan National Forest,   Pagosa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Forest Products - West Fork Vegetation Management project
CE
 - Forest products
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/26/2024  		Expected:03/2024
  		05/2024 Adam Tlachac
907-228-4126
adam.tlachac@usda.gov 
Description: Veg management in the West Fork area off of NFSR 648 including tree harvesting and fuels management treatments.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65705
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mineral. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West Fork area off of NFSR 648 on the Pagosa Ranger District.
Integrated - Jackson Mountain Landscape Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/10/2023
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 06/2024  		Expected:09/2024
  		10/2024 Adam Tlachac
907-228-4126
adam.tlachac@usda.gov 
Description: Landscape level analysis of recreation and veg mgmt opportunities in Jackson Mountain area, including consideration of mountain bike trails and associated facilities (parking areas, toilets, etc), veg and fuels mgmt opportunities, & gravel pit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61809
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Jackson Mountain Area on the Pagosa Ranger District.
Range - Range Improvements on Weminuche and Middle Fork Allotments
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  Completed  Actual: 04/02/2024  05/2024 John Garcia
970-264-1516
jgarcia@fs.fed.us 
Description: Construction of a pond, drift fence, and corral on the Weminuche Allotment and construction of two ponds on the Middle Fork Allotment.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65678
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Hinsdale. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Weminuche and Middle Fork Allotments on Pagosa Ranger District.
Special Uses - McManus Road Access
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 04/01/2024  04/2024 Julia Adams
000-000-0000
Julia.Adams@usda.gov 
Description: Issue a special use permit for year round motorized access on McManus Road to access private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65586
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Hinsdale. LEGAL - Not Applicable. NFSR 633 on the Pagosa Ranger District.
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